THE INVENTION The problems associated with the prevention of the extended use of biological warfare are solved by the present invention, which uses a platform of detection and autonomous communication, at millimeter scale, for a network of massively distributed sensors with flexible network hierarchy and secure data flow. The individual detector units in the form of integrated microcircuits are designed and manufactured the size of a grain of sand and contain detectors such as a processor unit, a memory, bidirectional wireless communications. and an internal energy supply. Each detector unit is controlled by a stand-alone microcontroller in the form of a digital signal processor (DSP). This DSP controls the tasks performed by the integrated detector microcircuit and, to conserve energy, the administration of energy between and the different components of the system. Periodically, the DSP receives a reading from the detector unit provided with one or more detectors contained on the integrated microcircuit, processes the data received from the detectors, and stores the results in its memory. It also pseudo-randomly activates the optical, acoustic and / or radio frequency (RF) transceiver provided in each detector unit to verify incoming communication attempts. This communication may include new programs, data or messages from / to other detector units or from a router of the base station that controls the operation of a plurality of detector units. In response to a message or after the start of a message, the DSP will use the RF transceiver, the room relay
(field operation station), or laser to transmit the detector data or a message to the router, another detector unit or a centralized station. The router would also direct communication to or from the centralized station. To direct the detection of different types of biological substances such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, molds, proteins and toxins
(collectively, "targets"), the invention incorporates two classes of detectors with totally different ways of detecting and acquiring information. The first of these sensors is acoustically based and can be used repeatedly without degradation. This detector depends functionally on acoustic wave technologies. The detector portion of the detector unit is constructed as a microminiature mesh (network) on a silicon base, and has its own resonant frequency. For more accurate resonance readings other elements such as sapphire crystals, quartz or germanium oxide and silica (GSO) or a crystal of beryllium oxide and silica (BSO) can be used. The surface of the detector unit is relatively small, approximately 1 mm2 of working surface. To achieve greater sensitivity and selectivity of the detector towards the targets, both sides of the base of the detector unit are charged by static electricity. The . acoustically based detector unit operates in three main modes - data collection, data measurement, and cleaning of the detector unit. During collection mode, targets are close to the detector. The static electricity applied to each surface of the detector unit will pull the targets towards the surface of the detector and will adhere them to the surface of the detector unit due to molecular adhesion forces. After an increment of time determined by a timer provided in the DSP, the detector unit will change to the measurement mode. In this connection, the static electricity will be interrupted and the surface of the detector will begin to resonate with high frequency oscillation conditions. If there are no targets adhered to the surface of the detector unit, the surface will resonate at a first frequency. The detector surface will resonate at a second frequency, different from the first frequency in the presence of the particular targets. The power and frequency of that oscillation will be a function of the physical properties of the white particles. The oscillation will result in the white particle leaving the surface of the detector, result in the generation of an impulse. The acoustic nature of an impulse will be smoothed by the DSP and compared with data contained in a database provided in the memory of the DSP. If any similar properties are found, this information will be forwarded to the centralized station which could issue an alert. During the cleaning mode, the surface of the detector will be cleaned by the simultaneous application of depolarization of static electricity and high power pulses, at a third frequency. After cleaning, all modes can be repeated when required. The detector units will be calibrated to known white signatures. If the air has a preponderance of targets that exhibit the same or a similar signature (mass, adhesion factor, form factor, etc.), an alert will be activated that will provide the microbiological identity of the particles. This alert will be produced on the basis of the communication between the detector units themselves, between the communication with the walkers and the detector units of the communication between the detector units, the routers and the centralized system. Each detector unit will be manufactured from silicon plates on a sapphire crystal, quartz, BSO or GSO base structure, such as those currently used for the manufacture of integrated microcircuits. All front surfaces will be used to produce and store energy. The second type of these detectors will be a detector based on biological elements that falls into two categories; biopore detectors and detectors based on optical elements. Biopore detectors are microminiature assemblies consisting of pores containing substances (ligands) preferably in gels or other substances, and electrodetection technologies. These biopores contain the ligand in gel resting on electrodes that will react on the basis of the presence of a simple molecule of a target. During the reaction, the biopore will produce an electrical signature pulse and static electricity, which will be analyzed and activate an alert if a particular target is present. This analysis would include comparing the impulse of the electric signature with a plurality of electric signature pulses stored in the memory of the DSP. This technology will require sets of biological data that document the reactive ligand for each target. These data will be used to choose the substances in gel for the biopores. In all other forms, including data acquisition, data processing and data communication, the operational implementations are identical for any target. Sensors based on biological and optical elements will have much in common with biopore detectors. The main difference in its integration design of light detector microsystems to detect and discriminate the sequence of bursts of photons generated in interaction of the target and the ligand. These bursts of photons will be in the form of pulses of electro-optical signatures, compared to a plurality of pulses of electro-optical signatures stored in the memory of the DSP.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above generalized description of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings that include the following: Figure 1A is a diagram of a detector unit based in acoustic properties; Figure IB is a diagram of the detector unit based on acoustic properties of Figure 1A in the collection mode; Figure 1C is a diagram of the detector unit based on acoustic properties of Figure 1A in the analysis mode; Figure ID is a detector unit diagram based on acoustic properties of Figure 1A in the cleaning mode; Figure 1E is a diagram of two detector units based on acoustic properties, each in a different mode of operation; Figure 2 is a diagram of a biopore detector; Figure 3 is a diagram of the biopore detector unit and a field effect transistor (FET) used to detect a reaction between a ligand and a specific target; Figure 4 shows the FET of Figure 3 with the ligands encapsulated in the gel; Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the biopore detector unit and the FET shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 illustrates the biopore detection unit and an FET provided with two electrodes; Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the biopore detection unit and the FET with multiple nanotubes; Figure 8 represents a top view of a biopore detector;
Figure 9 is a side view of the biopore detector shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 illustrates a detector unit based on biological and optical properties; Figure 11 illustrates a typical DSP, according to the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates the system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Each of the integrated microcircuits as detector units will be manufactured from silicon plates on a base substrate of sapphire crystal, quartz, or BSO or GSO or similar material, such as those currently used for the manufacture of integrated microcircuits. All the front surfaces of the detector units (except the biopores) will be used to produce and store energy. The operatively integrated detector units will act as a network of massively distributed detectors. This network will function as a monolithic unit, providing a de facto three-dimensional real-time detection of the presence of biological substances. For example, some groups of detector units could form a synchronized group that executes the same work cycles, thereby increasing the sensitivity and conflability of the system, and creating special features such as a distributed antenna. The invention itself leads to adaptation, and is easily adaptable to different operating configurations. For example, groups of units could be aligned to verify a statically charged air pump which will move air, which could include targets, in a specific direction. This will increase the sensitivity of the detector because the white particles will be brought closer to the detector units. This system exhibits reliable capabilities to classify all targets using static electricity. This invention capitalizes on the fact that all the white particles saturated in the air do not react equally to the polarity of the charge of static electricity. Groups of the detector units will change the polarity together, generating additional information about the distribution of the target in the air, how the air is moving in a ventilation system. This will create the basis for base relationship data that traces the nature of the bank to atmospheric conditions. Referring to the drawings, Figure 1A illustrates a detector based on acoustic properties 1 having a detector unit 2 having a plurality of micro-resonators 3 on the surface of the detector unit., thus forming an oscillating network. Figures IB, 1C and ID illustrate the operation of the detector based on acoustic properties 1 in the collection mode shown in Figure IB, the analysis mode illustrated in Figure 1C and the cleaning mode detailed in Figure ID. The detectors based on acoustic properties as well as all other detectors described in the present invention are adapted to be applied to the surface of a product, such as medical equipment, clothing or food or are adapted to be carried by air. Regardless of whether detectors based on acoustic properties or detectors based on biological properties are attached to an object or are carried by air, the purpose is to detect the presence of one or more of a plurality of biological substances denoted as "targets" 24 that they would be dangerous for humans and / or animals. Those targets 24 would generally be carried by the air along with other different floating matter such as protein chains 5 and dust particles 6. The detectors based on acoustic properties 1 would be characterized as a detector unit 2 having a surface on which the different particles 5, 6 and 24 would settle. The surface unit would be connected to a DC power source 7 having a battery 8: two switches 9a, 9b would be connected in parallel to the electricity source. Therefore, in the collection mode as shown in Figure IB, electricity would be applied to the surface of the detector unit 2, allowing the detector unit to oscillate at a first frequency. The switches would be in the position shown in Figure IB to apply a first level of current to the surface of the detector unit to allow the detector unit to oscillate at a first frequency and power. As shown by the arrows attached to each of the elements carried by the air 5, 6 and 24 shown in Figure IB, those elements carried by the air would be attracted to the surface of the detector unit. Once those particles 5, 6 and 24 are joined, or rest on the surface 2 of the detector unit, the switch 9a is moved to the position shown in the analysis mode shown in Figure 1C, thus removing the source of electricity from the surface of the detector unit. At this time, airborne particles that would include white particles 24 would begin to oscillate at a second frequency, different from the frequency at which the surface of the detector unit would oscillate in Figure IB. A DSP that includes bidirectional wireless communication, an internal power source, as well as a memory would detect the particular resonant frequency. This frequency would be compared with frequencies stored in the DSP memory, indicative of particular targets. If similarity is found between the oscillating frequency of the target or targets and the oscillating frequency stored in the memory of the DSP, this similarity would be noted and stored in the memory of the DSP. At that time, or at a later time, this information would be transmitted using the particular communication capability of the detectors to attached detectors, to one or more routers, or to a centralized station in which a decision regarding the presence of biological substances toxic, indicative of a bioterrorist attack would then create the appropriate alert. Once the analysis step concludes as illustrated in Figure 1C, the surface of the detector unit 2 would be cleaned by moving the switch 9b to the position shown in Figure ID. At this point, the surface of the detector unit would oscillate at a third frequency, thereby ejecting all the material carried by the air 5, 6 and 24 from the surface of the detector unit according to that shown by the arrows included in the Figure ID. Figure 1E shows two units adjacent detectors in different phases such as the cleaning phase or the collection phase. The collection phase is illustrated by the detector unit on the left and the cleaning phase is illustrated by the detector unit on the right. The inclusion of the cleaning phase shown in Figure ID would result in the possibility of repeated use of the detector unit based on acoustic properties. Figure 2 shows a detector unit based on typical biological properties, which includes a ligand 22 and a biological target substance 24. Additionally, an optional biological amplification unit 20 can be fixed to a non-detecting surface of ligand 22. Ligand 22 is an ion or molecule that reacts to form a complex with another molecule. White 24 is the unit molecule specifically by the ligand. Each ligand operates in conjunction with a specific target of which there exists a multitude of possible ligand / target pairs. White can be a single molecule 'as a protein, glycoprotein, saccharide or lipid. White can also be an organism such as a bacterium or its spore, a virus, fungus, mold, or yeast. Ligand 22 and a target 24 bound with high affinity and specificity. Examples of ligand / target pairs are an antibody and any macromolecule that was created against the antibody, a cellular receptor and any substance that specifically binds to and activates the receptor, or a surface characteristic of a microorganism such as hemagglutinin on a virus of the influenza and an antibody or molecule (such as sialic acid in the influenza example) that binds to the surface characteristic. It is important to note that the target will only join completely by itself to only one type of ligand. An interaction by the ligand with a target to which it will not bind completely, would result, at 1c better, only a partial union, during a moment of time. The interactions between a ligand and its target arise from intermolecular attractions that include complementary conformations, charges, polarities, Van der Waals interactions, and rearrangement of water molecules in the surrounding medium. These forces of attraction cooperate and accumulate when the target and the ligand are close. Each target / ligand interaction has a specific kinetic and thermodynamic signature that can be characterized and quantified:
k active Ligand + White? Ligand / White Complex?
inachva The equilibrium constant is derived from the ratio of the active and inactive constants: Keq = Kactiva / ¾_nactiva (2) eq is related to the free energy by AG = AG ° + RT ln Keq, and to the equilibrium AG = 0, of so that: AG. = -RT ln Keq For Keq = 1, AG ° = 0 For Keq = 10, AG ° = -1.4 Kcal / mol For Keq = 105, AG ° = -7 Kcal / mol With R = universal gas constant T = temperature (Kelvin scale) The Keq for the avidin-biotin interaction is approximately 1015"1 and for a" typical "antigen-antibody interaction is approximately 102 M-1, thereby releasing 1 mol of the avidin interaction -biotin is approximately 21Kcal / mole and for the antigen-antibody of approximately 16 Kcal / mole.The unique pattern of energy release is a function of the signature of the interaction for each ligand / target pair.The biopore detector unit shown in Figure 2 it is based on microminuclear pores of ligands generally, but not necessarily included in aqueous gels on surfaces of detector units with electrodetection technologies cumulatively called biopores.Each biopore is filled with one or more gel ligands and will react with the presence of a single molecule of a specific target for that ligand. During the reaction, the reaction between ligand and the specific target molecule will produce a signature of electrical impulse and static electricity which will be analyzed and activate an alert if the appropriate target is present. This technology will require biological datasets that describe the electrostatic signature generated by the unit of each ligand / target pair. This data will be used to differentiate between targets. In all other forms, including data acquisition, data processing and data communication, all implementations are identical to those of other ligand / target pairs. The materials and methods described herein provide an effective form for mass production of uniform microfabricated units. To adapt a deployment of units to particular targets of interest (Hepatitis C, Salmonella, Anthrax, etc.), the biopores will contain the appropriate and unique reactive ligands. More specifically, each detector unit of the present invention comprises a signal converting element, a transducer, a sensing element, and the ligand (shown in Figure 2). The conversion circuits will include electro-sensitive circuits, circuits based on photosensitive properties, circuits based on acoustic sensitive properties, and sensing circuits sensitive to inductivity, based on the type of detector used. Depending on the applications, specific bioamplification elements can be used. The signal converting element is comprised in an active portion and a signal transformer domain. The specific portion of the ligand • specifically recognizes a selected target. A detector unit used with the ligand shown in Figure 2 would include programming and programming systems and physical computing components to verify and detect specific targets. Depending on the preliminary detector conversion circuits, the bioamp or device 20 may or may not be used. For example, in some cases, when treated with a ligand / target interaction of extremely low energy, a detector element with an amplifier 20 such as fluorescence generation or enzymatic chemiluminescence, with a photon-sensitive detector can be employed. In this case, after detection by the detector unit, an electrical impulse will be converted into a photon stream, which will be detected by a sensitive photodetector. Figure 3 depicts the use of a field effect transistor (FET) 30 with a detector gate 32 as a measuring device that awaits integration of the gel and molecules of a ligand 31. Ligand 31 is placed on or so close to the gate as possible, so that the ligand / target interaction generates a current from the area of the source 34 through the gate 32 to a discharge area 36. The FET is provided on a semiconductor base 38. A layer 39 is provided on the gate 32 , the source 34 and the take or download 36. This FET structure will be implemented in various formats as will be discussed. The structure of the FET can take the form of a miniature electron-sensitive field effect transistor (ESFET). Figure 4 describes the FET 30 with gel 33 incorporated into the design. The gel used will exhibit the properties of remaining moist, having optical sensitivity and allowing the targets to pass through the gel and bind to the ligand. There are several ways to place the ligand in close proximity to the gate area. For example, the surface of the gate 32 can be coated with aminosilane. The ligand is attached to the amino groups via a variety of crosslinkers 35, for example, disuccinimidyl suberate, B-hydroxy disuccinimidyl suberate, etc. The crosslinkers can be chosen with specificity to functional groups selected on the ligand to achieve the desired orientation.
Figure 5 describes an alternative mode of the FET method. This FET 40 includes a silicon base 48 on which a generating area 46 and a discharge area 44 are provided. Gate 50 is provided on an isolator 42. A number of ligand 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 are associated with FET 40. Those ligands are captured with the CD produced field by the DC current source 62 and an electrode 64. As was true with the FET shown in Figure 4, a similar gel 66 will be incorporated into the design. This facilitates the orientation of the detection elements to provide an optimum detection capability. Figure 6 depicts an FET of an alternative method 70 to facilitate targeting of ligands 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80, electrostatically prior to the introduction of gel 90. In addition to targeting the ligands, the double electrode configuration includes a DC current source 92, an upper electrode 94 and a lower electrode 96 near the area of the gate 98 will facilitate the movement of the ligands towards the area of the gate 98, finally attaching them to the lower electrode 96 in the area of the gate. The detector unit includes a silicon base 82, a generating area 84 and a discharge area 86 and an insulator layer 88. The lower electrode 96 will then completely dissolve, allowing the FET to operate normally. Alternatively, the lower electrode will dissolve only partially, facilitating a polarization feedback capability. Figure 7 discloses advanced FET detector 100 incorporating one or more catalyst islands 120 placed over the gate electrode of FET 110 in the area of the gate 122. The catalyst island can grow in the form of nanotubes 114, 116, 118. The FET 100 includes a silicon base 102, a discharge area 104, a generating area 106 and an insulating coating 108. The catalyst island 120 consists of chemical ingredients which form a basis for the growth of the nanotubes. Nanotubes typically grow chaotically. Its quantity and final volume are administered controlling the time and the temperature. The response to time and temperature depends on the ingredients of the catalyst. Generally, multiple nanotubes will grow. The surface of the nanotubes can be adapted using alternative methods to modify their properties. The modification can be achieved by using chemical solutions to attack the surfaces of the nanotubes. Alternatively, nanotubes can be coated with chemicals. The primary configuration for this invention will include coating the nanotubes with conductive or semiconducting materials. This will be followed by the application of the gel. This dramatically increases the surface area for target detection without increasing the linear surface of the detector. Operationally, after the ligand / target interaction, the signal will travel across the surface of the nanotubes to the FET envelope. Since the nanotubes are indirectly in contact with the gate of the FET, and the ligands will adhere to the surface of the walls of the nanotubes, more ligands would be directly in contact with the measuring device, that is, the gate area. The operation 'proceeds then as described above. Figure 8 represents a possible implementation of the biopore detector 130. In this case, the pore 132 has been created on the surface of an integrated silicon microcircuit. In the biopore, the nanotubes 134, 136, 138 generally extend between two electrodes 140 and 142. All surfaces of the nanotubes will be covered with metal (clay or plate). The result is a dense electrode mesh. The pore is filled with any ligand elements connected to the nanotubes. When contact between a ligand and a target is achieved, a signal will propagate over the nanotube mesh and into the electrodes 140, 142. The electrodes are connected to the registration circuits (not shown). Figure 9 depicts a side view of the biopore 132 and a multidimensional perspective of the relative locations of the electrodes 140, 142 and the nanotubes within the pore. There are multiple configurations for the different components that make up a biopore. The optimal configuration is a function of the planned deployment. Those configurations will not be limited by the availability of materials. It has been shown that the available materials retain their film-forming properties even when water-soluble components other than latex (eg, proteins, enzymes, polysaccharides such as agarose, or synthetic polymers) comprise up to about 25% by weight of the material. This alleviates a significant consideration related to a microfabrication process for the production of biodetectors; the established film adheres effectively to a flat substrate even in the presence of large amounts of additives (ie, enzymes). The particulate latex materials have traditionally been used to immobilize all types of biologically active materials. Thus, the biodetector units of the present invention provide a generic, flexible system that can be adapted to recognize any selected biological substance. A detector based on biological and optical properties are shown in Figure 10. This is based on microminiature biopores made up of gel pores 152 containing ligands 154, 156, 158 and a photosensitive detector 160. During the interaction of the target with the ligand, a sequence of bursts or photon signatures will be generated and will be detected by the detector that includes the light detector microsystem 160. The microsystems will be built based on the type of Avalanche diodes, Charge Coupled Devices (CCD), or other technologies. light detection. After the detection, a comparative analysis of the newly observed data and data stored in the memory of the DSP will be carried out in the previously described way with respect to the biological detectors based on acoustic properties and based on non-optical properties. Optical techniques have been used successfully in the field of detectors to verify reactions by measuring changes in absorption, fluorescence, diffraction and refractive index. In particular, for the detector based on biological and optical properties, a layer that undergoes an optical change is integrated onto the surface of the device so that the prevalent field of light penetrates the detection layer. Monoclonal antibodies can be used as the detection layer, with high specificity to defined targets, then changing the composition of the detection layer. Any reactions that occur in the detection layer affect the prevalescent field and consequently the optical properties of the device. This detector based on biological and optical properties will take advantage of the interaction of energy conversion to fluorescence, detecting the light emitted after the interaction. The gel and ligands in this detector will be located on the basis of the descriptions accompanying Figures 5 and 6. As described above, each of the different types of detector units will be provided with a DSP 170 as shown in FIG. Figure 11. Each detector unit has a dedicated input / output channel 202 for starting the ignition, loading the main storage capacitor, programming, and performing the test procedures. The connection to this channel will be made on dedicated devices, during initial test procedures. The input / output channel allows the communication of each of the detector units, such as the biopore or bio-optical detector 172 and the acoustic detector to a CPU 176, through a communication controller 204. Each unit stops three additional channels: a near-range communication (NR) channel including an acoustic antenna 208, a radio frequency (RF) channel including an RF antenna 206; and an optical channel including an optical antenna 210. The communication channel NR has an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver. This communication channel allows each detector unit to communicate with nearby detector units. In other words, the detector units begin to detect each other, exchange data packets, and also transport information data packets and also coordinate with the different modes of operation employed by the detector unit based on acoustic properties. It is intended that the RF channel be used for medium range communications and group definition. This channel is faster and can carry more information in a given period of time. In some circumstances this channel could be used for communication between detector units, in this way it was anticipated that it incorporates an RF processor to manage the flow of data between detector units. It is intended that the optical channel, in whole or in part, in some circumstances completely replace the main RF channel during long-range communications with the router or with long-range group-to-group communications as well as with the centralized station. If one experiences contamination of the RF spectrum, this channel, together with the NR channel, becomes the means of communication. On the basis of the distances of the detector units, the router and the centralized station that includes a computer can be used, from each of the forms of connections mentioned above to disseminate information between the detector units, the router and the computer of the centralized station. A read-only memory (ROM), non-alterable memory or an EEPROM 190 is provided in the DSP and consists of a programmed logic array (PLM) and control circuits. It is intended that the primary use of memory is to keep all programs and operating instructions. Additionally, the memory will contain some sample signature patterns of a number of blanks. These signature patterns can be designed for the type of detector unit used, or they could include all possible signature patterns, regardless of the detector unit. A random access memory (RAM) 188 is also included in the DSP. RAM 188 is used to store variables, acquired data, temporary data, temporary variables and other miscellaneous data. An instantaneous memory (not illustrated) is provided in the DSP. It is divided into functional groups that include: a stack and battery indicator, variable and current states, additional program files and data files. This memory is mainly used by an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 182 for internal operations of the DSP. The ALU 182 may be used in conjunction with the EEPROM 190 and the RAM 188 to compare a measured signature with the signatures contained in the EEPRCM 190. The detector units have some potential sources of interruption provided in the DSP. Those sources of interruption include a guardian timer 194, a change after activation 196; a real-time clock, several counters such as timers 198 and a program counter 186, and overflow interrupts 196. Each of the events mentioned above generates a special signal to interrupt the flow of the program and switch to special attention functions respective. Guardian timer 194 is the first line of defense if an unresolvable DSP situation or any other event produces an un predicted condition. This could be expected to happen more frequently if the processor is overloaded with different tasks and the capacity of the power source does not allow all the functions to be performed simultaneously. Conceivably, the DSP would be trapped in an infinite loop without a non-normal way of extruding on its own. In this case the guard timer 194 will generate a high level interrupt to stop the loop and reset the DSP. The detectors and the 1/0 channels produce an interrupt to change after activation even during the idle mode to save power to allow that the DSP awakens in a way of saving energy and assumes the total mode of operation. Overflow interrupts occur if corresponding indicators in a special function register are activated. The real-time clock is the main source of temporary synchronization. This interruption allows sequential operations with DSP, its peripheral. The detector unit contains a 4-bit or 8-bit general purpose ALU 182 which performs arithmetic and Boolean functions between data in a work record 184 and any log file such as instruction register 192. The log files are divided into two groups Functional consisting of records of special functions and records for general purposes. Special function registers are used by the DSP and peripheral components to control the operation of the device. The special function registers include the job register, a timer register, the program counter 186 and the 1/0 registers. In addition, special function registers are used to control the 1/0 port configuration. Records for general purposes are used for data and control information under instruction orders. Macro-access controller (MAC) functions will be performed by the DSP. This will save energy and space on the glass, to optimize the timing and avoid communication delays. A channel 200 includes in the CPU 176 to allow data transfer to and from the components therein as well as communicate with the 1/0 202 channel. An RF processor in communication with the DSP provides synchronous and asynchronous communication modes for each detector unit. The RF processor receives an RF synchronization sequence, determines the required action, adjusts the reception and transmission parameters, and receives and transmits data. The RF processor also optimizes energy acquisition procedures. Mainly for energy conservation purposes, all circuits related to RF are designed based on resonance-based ideology, and are incorporated very close to the integrated microcircuit. The current design includes compatible or semi-compatible spectrum and frequency requirements, such as the IEEE 802. lxx standard, which will allow the use of existing communication capabilities. There will be additional advantages for the acquisition of energy in the given frequency range. All amplifications of the signals are made at the minimum level necessary to receive and transmit signals. Since there are strict energy limitations, we assume that all data transmissions include some loss of data. All data corrections will be made within the DSP and its programs and programming systems. In this way, the conservation of energy is the cornerstone of the entire operation and design. The antenna field on each unit is symmetrical and occupies all the available space on the surface of the integrated microcircuit. In the same way, the antenna assumes the protection function of all internal units. The size of the antenna and its geometry are functions of the frequency spectrum, the proposed sensitivity and the transmission power level.The transmission power level will be in the range of the microwatts, thus no metallic layers will be required. thicker antennas The thicknesses are expected to be in the range of 5 to 10 nm Recent developments in surface engraving are promising for the use of multilayer antenna wiring, which will increase the surface area of the antenna many times. Switching will facilitate low-power, low-loss and CMOS types of low-power / CMOS switches to achieve extremely low power losses.According to the low power required for switching, the power requirements are optimized (minimized) through fast switching, even separate elements of the same antenna installations will have built-in switches Adores to switch multiple segments. This allows the optimization of the capacitance and total inductance of the antenna resulting in the transmission achieving a high quality resonance reception. Speaking in terms of communication this leads to energy conservation. As indicated above, the information is communicated between individual detector units, between the detector units and one or more router units and also between the centralized computer system and the routers and the centralized computer. During the communication cycle, each data package will consist of a preamble, data and a signature. If the package is not designated, it is directed to the centralized computer. If the centralized computer does not send the confirmation in the set time box, the centralized computer will try to transmit the packet via nearby detector units. In this case, the end of the transmitted packet will have a designation mark for chain communication. This mark will activate any nearby detector unit to receive the package, and it will immediately be retransmitted with the same designation mark. In this way, the computer of the centralized system will receive the packet by multiple trajectories, from other detector units, and perhaps many times. After receiving the first packet, if no errors are present, the centralized system computer will form and transmit a response packet with specific information of which packet has been successfully received. This will interrupt all other transmissions of the same packet. All units will then change to normal operation mode. For long-range communication, each detector unit can communicate with any and all detector units. During the initial greeting procedures, the detector units are synchronized and are capable of simultaneously generating and transmitting data packets, forming phase antenna fields on the carrier frequency. During the transmission process, while the data is being acquired by a detector unit, all the detector units of the group will be 4
involved. Prior to transmission, all group members will be assigned unique group numbers. After transmission the first unit of the group will form a data packet, consisting of a preamble, data and a signature. Then, each detector unit provides the data coding and adds a designation descriptor. The integrated detector microcircuit transmits those packets to other integrated chip detectors. When other detector units receive a package with a destination brand, the brand will be analyzed. If the target mark prescribes a data packet to be transmitted via the long-range communication mode, each group detector unit will receive and place the data packet in a special waiting queue. All group members then begin the RF synchronization cycle and when synchronization is achieved; all member groups will transmit a single data packet simultaneously, thus increasing the communication distance. After the initial data of one of the units is transmitted, the second unit of the group will transmit its own package with a designation signature to all the members of the group and then the cycle will be repeated, until all the data of all the members of the group have been successfully transmitted. The main receiving unit will form and transmit a confirmation reception for each packet transmitted by the group. If any error is acquired, the packet will be retransmitted a reasonable number of times until a transmission is achieved without errors. The energy facilities are distributed over and between different circuits. They include antenna facilities; they receive with all the distributed amplification; RF processors; energy management facilities; energy storage devices. Each detector unit has a unique input / output channel for initial startup, which loads the main storage capacitor, programs and performs test procedures, some of which are activated through an energy recovery and storage unit 212. The connection to this port will be made during the initial test procedures. During normal operation, which means operation in an open environment, the detector unit will not be connected to any external power source for its loading and operations. For energy acquisition, the detector unit collects energy from the environment, including but not limited to a solar battery 218. The detector unit is specifically designed to allow optimal use of the unit's volume and all the properties of the system for acquisition purposes. , storage and energy management. The main energy source is the electromagnetic radiation available in the full radio frequency range received by the RF receiver 216. This type of energy is widely available in all places where there is human activity. Those sources include radio transmitters in all AM / FM bands; radio receivers, because their converter circuits generate RF waves; speed detectors of police radars; military and civil radars; computer monitors, which are a source of significant near-field RF; computer networks; and wires inside the energy grid. Secondary sources of energy are also available and each unit is designed with facilities to acquire that energy. Mainly there are sources of X-ray band and Gamma bands as shown by the receiver 220, which are widely available in medical facilities, armoring facilities in airports, railway and train stations, etc. Another source of repeatable energy may be the movement of the object or surface on which the unit is installed. An ultrasonic receiver 214 as a piezoelectric genomic element, will absorb this type of energy. The scenarios that place the unit on a surgical glove or surgical apposite could incorporate those ultrasonic receptors capable of absorbing temperature gradients and producing other parameters of health status. The RF band will be used as follows: the power acquisition begins with the free cycle of the main DSP processor. The DSP will order the RF processor to open all reception circuits and begin acquiring signals in the wide spectrum. The RF processor will look for the full frequency range and try to determine the available energy. If available, all input circuits will be optimized over that specific frequency range. The detection and storage of energy is carried out by multiple stages of detection and charging of the main capacitors. An optical detector is the ideal one. because it collects any energy in the optical and near-range bands. This additional function will not degrade the functionality of the main detector. The energy collected in the X-ray and gamma bands will be used on the opposite side of the unit. The volume of the integrated microcircuit in this scenario works as an optical ray mass filter, allowing the detection of x-rays or gamma rays only. These rays freely penetrate silicon substances. An additional benefit of that detector and energy acquisition element is that the detector unit will collect information about the background of the radiation and / or radiation bursts. The main storage capacitors are located on the lower layer of the detector unit. The capacitors are configured in large fields of dry capacitors, without electrolytes. The power management facilities incorporate the on / off and hibernation functionality. These circuits are mainly designed to verify the main load circuits, the stages of energy consumption, and facilitate an algorithm for predicting energy consumption. Along with the main programming programs and systems on the DSP, the program modules and power management programming systems will detect short falls of the stored energy and reassign it depending on the energy cycles. This allows a decrease in peak consumption and heat consumption related to energy. Additionally, the energy management unit allows the determination of peak energy storage peaks and allocates the maximum consumption at that specific moment, to maximize the performance of the output transmission. The information about the energy state is included in each data block and in this way the main unit can determine when it is necessary to execute the main load cycle to re-establish (replenish) the energy. In the case of a new detector unit or a sensor unit that has completely lost power, all circuits are designed so that the receiver circuits are switched to maximum power and the energy storage cycle is active. In this way, if an operator or the main unit initiates the activation of the unit, they are ready to acquire energy and recharge their energy facilities. In the replenishment cycle, it will be postponed until all the capacitors are fully charged, and the power management facilities will then initiate the first activation procedure. During the activation procedures, the DSP executes a simple self-test and then a test of the peripheral elements is performed. After the test is successful, the DSP will initiate a short transmission session to verify the RF channel. After completing all this, a status code will be registered in the memory along with the date and time. If the activation state is allowed, the DSP will change to the normal acquisition and analysis phase. If the activation procedures generate a different code, that code will be sent to the main unit for further analysis and subsequent operating instructions. To improve energy savings during normal operating modes, the power management system will activate only 'detectors and systems needed at that particular time. In "pickup or wait for an event" mode, most of the system is in energy saving mode. If some installations are damaged during transport or due to inappropriate prior use, all possible codes will be stored in the unit's memory for a detailed scan. The scan can be performed by an external device to determine the total energy status. Energy conservation is explicitly integrated into the operating energy system. All circuits in the detector unit allow energy management in a multi-stage conservation process. The circuits of the detector units will be verified by the excessive consumption of energy. If this occurs, a status indicator of excessive energy consumption will be generated and the centralized computer will analyze that event further. The low power consumption stage is designed primarily to change non-critical processes at lower energy, which will make the execution time longer, but will provide more power.
A stage of super-low energy consumption will be activated when absolutely non-critical scenarios are found. The performance cycles will change to the minimum possible operation level for very slow continuous operations, with the minimum operations necessary for the survival of the integrated microcircuit, but not crucial for that specific environment. An example of this event would be long-term survival, when RF energy resources are not available, but there is a need to maintain operations to acquire possible bursts of energy. Hibernation of all circuits is not related to the conservation of energy but reduces the amount of energy consumed. Usually, hibernation is predictable, controllable, and will often be used during normal operation. Each of the detector units will be in the interrupted energy stage when it is released from the factory. There is insufficient energy to start the operation and initialization tests. During this stage all the energy installations are oriented to collect and conserve energy. Calculations and transmissions are not executed. Figure 12 illustrates the system of the present invention in which a plurality of groups of detector units 230 is dispersed in several places. As indicated above, each of the detector units within each group 230 can transmit and receive information from any of the detector units within that group. Each of the detector units within each of the groups or sets of detectors 230 will also be in communication with a router 232. This communication is generally wireless in nature and will use the three types of transmission technologies previously described. Some of the routers are provided with a switch 234 and a server 236 for transmitting information wirelessly or via an Internet, VPN or Internet system 238 to a centralized computer system 240. This centralized computer system would receive and transmit data to and from the routers, as well as the individual detector units. On the basis of the information received by the centralized computer system 240, the decision is made to see if toxic biological substances prevail in one or more areas as well as if they would constitute a bioterrorist attack. This decision-making process is carried out automatically using an appropriate computer, or in conjunction with individuals who check the output of the centralized computer based on the information received from groups of detector units 230.
The real-time detection of biological substances, including pathogens, allergens and microorganisms in multiple diverse environments requires the integration of several bodies of scientific knowledge. As described, the present invention incorporates multiple technologies, demonstrates multiple functions and has multiple applications. Multiple technologies include microminiature integrated circuits with included detector technologies that capitalize on the characteristics that uniquely define the biological substances at hand. These characteristics include biochemical, electrochemical, physical or thermodynamic phenomena. To improve the sensitivity, nanotubes are grown in some units attached to electrodes on which rest ligands associated with the selected biological substances. After detection and discrimination, an alert is passed via the integrated circuit to external receiving devices that activate a digitized alert of the presence of biological substances. The units are multifunctional. Its functions include: detection, discrimination, amplification, digitization, filtering, discrimination, acquisition of environmental energy, communication between units and towards routers and external controllers, and sharing information based on the network. This multiple functionality is possible due to information technology, biochemistry of the state of the art and the integrated circuits are combined in such a way that they constitute a synergic system oriented to define characteristics of the biological substances. As can be appreciated, the individual detector units and groups of detector units can be used in many different types of environments and can be attached to many different types of objects. These environments and objects could include their use in blood transfusion operations and blood plasma collection and storage operations as well as being used with syringe needles. The detector units could be attached to various types of gloves, such as those used in surgery and extraction of blood made with rubber and rubber substitutes. Similarly, condoms made of rubber and rubber substitutes and other devices to prevent pregnancy could also have detector units attached to them. Several objects provided in a fixed patient room to bedside care point-of-care diagnostic devices, intensive care settings and corridors could also be used as a basis for individual detector units. In addition, various HVAC ventilation systems and equipment could be provided with a plurality of detector units as well as groups of detector units. This would also include equipment that moves air as well as local air filtration equipment, garments and bandages for patients, bedding services, benches and other furniture as well as masks worn by clinicians and patients. In addition, the present invention could be used in facilities designed for the analysis of urine and excrement in real time or applied to the service or within dental or other human prosthetic devices. In addition, the present invention could be used in animals or pets as well as fish environments. The present invention has application in the food industry including services of food processing equipment, conveyors, processing rooms, containers, silverware and other equipment including the internal surfaces of cans and containers, storage facilities and transportation equipment . The present invention has application in all aspects of the food chain, such as farms, food sources, waste management and packing rooms. The present invention has application in conjunction with the organic materials used to make products such as leather products, cloth products and plastic products. The present invention also has application in verification places in which populations are gathered, such as train stations, airports, bus stations, offices, tunnels, bridges, terminals, distribution centers, stadiums, cafeterias, restaurants, bars and government installations. . The present invention would have application to be used in tickets, badges or passports or other identification documents. The present invention will also have application with the units used in airplanes cabins, train wagons, watercraft, hovercraft, cars, trucks and similar types of transport. Given this description, alternative equivalent modalities as well as other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. These additional modalities and uses are also within the contemplated by the invention.